Civil engineers oversee the safety, design, logistics, and construction or repair of infrastructure projects and systems in both the public and private sectors including roads, bridges, and water supply systems. They apply scientific solutions and knowledge to improve communities and provide utilities that meet basic human needs.
Civil engineers perform soil tests to ensure foundations will be strong and analyze the results of tests for materials, including concrete, wood, and asphalt, and prepare cost estimates for the materials and equipment and labor feasibility, and survey reports and maps to provide risk analysis to plan for the phases and steps of the project as well as all costs, regulations, and possible environmental hazards. They compile, fill out, and submit permits and applications to local, state, and federal agencies and ensure their projects comply with local rules, laws, and regulations. They are responsible for the relevant education of clients and communities involved with the project, and present their findings to the public.